The fate of the 24-nation, month-long showpiece due to start in June, had hung in the balance ever since Europe’s domestic leagues shut down in the wake of the sweeping health crisis, which has killed around 7,500 people worldwide.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, relayed the news after an emergency video conference with its 55 affiliated national federations and representatives from clubs and leagues.

Conmebol, South American football’s governing body, said in a statement, "After a detailed analysis of the situation regarding the world and regional evolution of the coronavirus (COVID19), and with the recommendations made by international organizations in the field of public bealth to take extreme precautions, CONMEBOL announces the postponement of the 47th edition of the CONMEBOL Copa América to the dates of June 11 to July 11, 2021."

Both tournaments, which had been set to run from June 11-July 11, are expected to be moved to the summer of 2021, with new dates to be confirmed.